Indian Railways to soon start battery car service at major stations

NEW DELHI: As promised by the Indian Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu during the railway budget session of the Parliament, the state-run Indian Railways has announced that it will soon provide the facility of battery-operated cars (BoC) at all major stations across the country. The battery-operated cars will help the disabled and elderly passengers to move on the platforms.

The service is provided by the Indian Railways, in association with private firms and the passengers will have to pay a nominal fee for availing the service.

Apart from this, the Railway ministry will soon launch an android application to facilitate the booking of battery-operated cars, wheelchairs, porters and pick-up and drop facility through online-mode. Also, the battery-operated cars can be booked online from the Railway’s official IRCTC website and 139 helpline.

The Railway board has asked officials to provide battery-operated car services at 75 railway stations across the country in the first phase. In addition, every station will be provided with a dedicated telephone number to facilitate the booking of services on first-come, first-serve basis.

Speaking on the launch of new services, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said, “It was our promise in the budget and I am happy to announce its implementation. The Railway ministry will continuously work for providing better services to the travelers, utilizing the latest technology”.